What Causes Black Mould Around Windows?

• What is black mould?
• What causes black mould around windows?
• How to remove black mould
• How to prevent black mould
• Get in touch

Black mould appearing on and around your windows is not just an unsightly addition to your property. It can release toxic substances into your home and lead to serious health problems, and should be removed as soon as possible.

ICE Cleaning’s mould experts can quickly restore your property to a safe home with our mould removal services. Our Dewpoint-accredited technicians can eliminate all the mould on the hard surfaces and in the air. They can be on site within hours in an emergency.

Keep reading to find out why black mould is growing in your home.

What is black mould?

Mould is a fungus that grows in properties that contain excess moisture. It spreads by releasing spores into the air which float around until they find a surface that provides it with its ideal growing conditions. It is usually caused by:

• High humidity
• Poor ventilation
• Condensation
• Damp

Exposure to mould is dangerous as it releases irritants and allergens which can trigger an allergic reaction. You may suffer from symptoms like sneezing, coughing, skin rashes, and eye irritation, or, if you suffer from asthma, you could be at risk of an asthma attack.

Some kinds of mould occasionally produce mycotoxins, toxic chemicals which can cause more serious illnesses. A few types of black mould, such as Cladosporium, Alternaria, and Stachybotrys chartarum which can grow in your home release these harmful substances.

The most common kind of black mould is Stachybotrys chartarum. Also known as “toxic black mould” it grows on materials that contain cellulose like paper and drywall, and is associated with sick building syndrome.

What causes black mould around windows?

Windows usually provide mould with the ideal conditions for growth. Condensation that forms on windows can drip down onto the windowsill, providing mould spores with the moist environment they need to grow.

If the window frame is made from wood or there is lots of dirt, dust, and dead bugs, there will be plenty of organic material for it feed off, as well. Curtains and blinds when shut can even trap in moist, humid air.

Mould can grow very quickly in these conditions and soon spread to the nearby walls, curtains, and blinds. Black mould is especially prone to growing on and around windows as it likes very wet conditions.

Another place to find mould growing is in the silicone sealant around windows. Although the sealant is waterproof, gaps can let moisture get behind it so mould could start to grow there.

Black mould on walls around windows without there being any on the windows themselves is also a common sight. Condensation can form on walls, leading to the damp conditions mould needs to grow. Wallpaper and paint can provide it with plenty of organic material.

You might see black mould coming through wallpaper, too. This is usually caused by water getting behind it, such as from leaks, floods, and damp. In fact, the most common type of mould that grows under wallpaper is black mould.

How to remove black mould

Mould remediation should always be left to professional cleaners. They can give you peace of mind that it will all be removed and advise on how you can prevent it returning in the future.

Should you attempt it yourself, you could be at risk of inhaling, ingesting, or touching the mould which can affect your health. Black mould removal is particularly dangerous as you could be exposed to harmful toxins.                       

You may also not remove all the mould with a mould remover or DIY method, like wiping the affected surface with bleach. Any left behind can quickly grow back.

Harsh cleaning products can damage some surfaces, as well, like wallpaper or painted walls. Mould remediation professionals will have the equipment and products to remove the black mould without damaging your property.

Mould removal can be difficult if its growing in hard-to-reach areas, too, such as under wallpaper. Professionals can take care of this for you. They can even diagnose the root cause of it, like condensation or damp, so you can keep your home mould-free in the future.

How to prevent black mould

There are lots of ways to prevent mould in your property, particularly black mould:

• Consider using anti-mould paint to prevent mould growing on your walls
• Wipe down windows regularly to remove condensation, dust, dirt, and dead bugs
• Ventilate the property by opening windows
• Keep humidity levels low – ideally below 50% - with a dehumidifier
• Have problems like leaks or damp seen to immediately
• Dry out and clean your property after a flood as quickly as possible
• Don’t dry clothes indoors
• Install extractor fans in the bathroom and kitchen

Get in touch

Our technicians are stationed across the UK, and are available 24/7, 365 days a year. They have the specialist training and tools to eliminate all the mould in your home quickly and thoroughly.

Our mould remediation services also come with a lifetime guarantee* so we will remove any that comes back free of charge.

Give our team a call on 0208 066 0360 or send them an email at enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk to book our technicians for mould removal.

*subject to advisories